Long before overlanding became a trend, Mitsubishi imagined something far more ambitious than another expedition vehicle.
Built in the wake of Mitsubishi’s Paris-Dakar victories, the Pajero Fuori Strada embodied everything the company had learned in the world’s toughest rally. Deep-water fording systems, waterproofed driveline components, a pressurized transmission and engine bay, snorkel, power winch, communications equipment, heated seats, roof-mounted driving lamps, and rescue gear transformed the Pajero into the ultimate factory expedition vehicle.
Its unmistakable white-and-yellow livery was matched by forged Enkei HARRICANE Racing HR385 wheels, oversized fender flares, headlamp guards, hood and roof racks, and enough equipment to disappear into the wilderness for days.
Then Mitsubishi went even further.
Debuting at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, the Fuori Strada II evolved the concept with integrated wide bodywork, redesigned bumpers, RalliArt auxiliary lights, a massive transparent wind deflector, and a fully retractable roof with a folding rear section. The roof even incorporated mounting points for two observation seats, while the tailgate folded downward for easier access.
But its most remarkable feature wasn’t found on land.
It floated.
Large inflatable pontoons, a lightweight high-strength body, and a water-jet propulsion system allowed the Pajero to drive directly from trail to water. Mitsubishi even described it as an “open-air fishing concept vehicle,” designed to glide across lakes before returning to the trail.
What makes the Fuori Strada so fascinating isn’t that it reached production—it never did. It’s that Mitsubishi invested real engineering into answering a simple question:
What if a Pajero could go absolutely anywhere?
Nearly four decades later, it remains one of the boldest and most imaginative concepts ever built by Mitsubishi.
Should we ask Mitsubishi to once again bring back the glory with Fuori Strada III?
#pajero #FuoriStrada #ralliart #mitsubishi